Meeting Myself Here: A Journey Through Mindfulness

By Joanna Giano

This past year, I’ve been studying mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present, aware, and neutral fully accepting what is happening around you, both physically and mentally, without judgment. This practice has truly changed my life as I navigate adulthood on my own. Over the past five months, I’ve done a lot of growing up. I made mistakes some that stuck with me like gum on the bottom of my mind, waiting for the right moment to trip me up and remind me they were still there.

But mindfulness has helped me face those memories, let go, and move forward. It’s a powerful tool that can help anyone get closer to a more peaceful, comfortable life. Mindfulness has been proven to improve concentration, increase emotional awareness and decision making skills, and create a less stressful and anxious self. And over time, those small shifts have completely changed the way I relate to myself and the world.

I grew up a chronic dueller constantly arguing with myself, overthinking every move. But now, I’ve learned to subdue that habit by pausing and removing myself from the chaos. Like a cognitive anchor, mindfulness pulls me out of the emotional storm in my mind as it pokes holes in reality. It grounds me by tapping into my senses and giving them the power to take over to bring me back to the present moment where things are often not as overwhelming as they seemed.

A great way to start practicing mindfulness is to simply “scan” your body with your focus. Start at your toes and slowly move your attention upward, all the way to the top of your head. Notice any sensations of warmth, tension, tingling, or even numbness without trying to change them. This gentle awareness trains your mind to stay present and grounded, giving you space from racing thoughts and emotions. Over time, this simple practice can become a powerful tool for calm and clarity. 

Mindfulness isn’t about being delusional or ignoring your issues it’s about facing them in a tangible, grounded way. It helps you connect with the present moment physically, rather than getting lost in mental spirals. One of the tools that helped me early on was the book Mindfulness by Gill Hasson. In it, she beautifully summarizes the purpose of the practice: it “enables you to experience and appreciate your life instead of rushing through it, constantly trying to be somewhere else.” 

The best part about mindfulness is that it’s always there for you. You don’t need money, some perfect setup, or anything fancy. Just a few minutes and a willingness to slow down and sit with yourself as you are. That’s it. mindfulness is the way I breathe a little deeper before reacting, in how I notice the sun on my skin during a walk, or in the way I speak to myself when I mess up. The shift is subtle, but it’s real. 

None of this will come easy. Like a muscle, your ability to be mindful will grow stronger the more you practice. Life will keep moving, and you’ll continue to make mistakes and face difficult moments. But through it all, loving yourself and staying grounded should remain your top priority. Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect it’s about being present, being kind to yourself, and truly enjoying your life as it unfolds.